If you haven’t visited a family dentistry clinic in a while, then you may be curious about what happens during a routine checkup. During these appointments, a qualified professional assesses the relative health of your teeth, gums, tongue, jaws, and oral cavity.
Has it been more than a year since your last routine checkup? Schedule a dental checkup and cleaning now at Gallery Dental of Oakbrook with Dr. Peter L. Noto. Patients can request appointments online here, or they may call our Oakbrook Terrace, IL, dental office at (630) 620-8300 for booking and information.
In this post, we tell what to expect at your next routine checkup at Gallery Dental of Oakbrook. Knowing what to expect now can help you prepare for your upcoming appointment.
Discuss Your Medical History
Your medical history is an important part of a routine dental checkup. This is because your past and current medical conditions, medications and supplements, and daily habits play a major role in the health and function of your smile.
Getting a baseline idea of your medical history allows our team to tailor your care to your unique needs. This means that we can safely and effectively administer treatments that do not interfere with your current health conditions or medications.
Gather X-Ray Images
After discussing your medical history, it’s time to evaluate the hidden structures of your mouth with x-ray images. However, some conditions (like pregnancy) may preclude patients from getting x-rays during a routine checkup. Luckily, most modern dentists use digital x-rays, which can use up to 90% less radiation to capture crystal-clear images.
X-rays can reveal a range of issues, such as:
- Hidden cavities
- Dental abscesses
- Tumors and cysts
- Changes in tooth alignment or growth
- Bone loss in the jaws
Hands-On Examination
A hands-on examination is essential to a routine checkup. Even a simple visual analysis can help Dr. Noto determine if you need cavity removal, gum disease treatment, an oral cancer screening, or orthodontia.
Dr. Noto may use dental tools to assess the strength of your tooth enamel, examine pits and grooves in your teeth, and evaluate periodontal pockets. After checking your entire oral cavity, Dr. Noto discusses his findings with you during an in-depth patient brief.
Strategize Future Treatments
After a routine checkup, Dr. Noto shares his findings with you and reveals any issues that may require immediate attention. While he may not be able to resolve issues during a checkup, he can help you strategize future dental work to get the most out of your treatment plan.
Ask Questions and Gather More Information
At the end of a routine dental checkup, feel free to ask Dr. Noto any questions you may have about your oral health, dental hygiene, and upcoming dental work. Our team values patient education, so we are committed to addressing all of your concerns before you leave our office.
Schedule a Routine Checkup in Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Dental professionals recommend twice-yearly dental checkups and cleanings for optimal oral health. Are you due for your next routine checkup? Schedule an appointment at Gallery Dental of Oakbrook at (630) 620-8300 or online here to get started now!